It's likely that you've heard people talking about 'Angry Birds'. Angry what, now?
Angry Birds is a mobile game (Android, iPhone & iPad) which has taken the world by storm – people have flocked to download it *groan*. The game application has been downloaded 36 million times by people using Apple's iPhone and the Google Android operating system. So successful that the developers Rovio are working on a version for the Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii.
Squawk tweet splat
I decided to check out what all the hype was about.
I must state up front that I am not a 'gamer'. I enjoy the odd challenge and own a Wii which I love, but use once in a while. I haven't played for a few weeks since I left Tomb raider Lara heaving on a rock, refusing to jump and *grab* the ledge. 15 minutes of coaxing her to squat and leap and grab - accompanied by frustrated sighs (hers, and mine) - is enough to put anyone in a home.
I do, however, understand the appeal of games; the most difficult demand your full attention, while the more sedentary allow you to train and exercise your brain with minimum effort. Despite its title, Angry Birds is one of those games.
The puzzle game features a variety of birds, all with different skills, trying to rescue their eggs from evil pigs.
Using a slingshot the birds are catapulted at different structures the pigs are hiding in.
Those puzzling pigs
It's a game you can play while doing something else....do not be fooled however, this is as addictive as crack. All you're doing is sliding your finger from left to right to release the bird and then possibly tapping in-between (different types of birds have different 'powers'.) There are a couple of levels and many chapters within each level. Each 'chapter / task' is very, very quick however, which is why it's perfectly suited to mobile.
It's then when your brain realises that there is some skill involved....is that the right trajectory? Is it better to kill this pig before that pig? If I plough into that wall will it kill that pig?.... This is when the obsession starts.
I think the graphics are pretty impressive, for a seemingly 'simple' mobile based puzzle game. The challenges increase in difficulty but the basic principles remain the same, I think this is the underlying appeal.
I've been playing it for 2 weeks, on and off, in-between tasks, whilst travelling (no, I wasn't driving!) and while killing time in queues. I like it, it 'works' my brain a little while both infuriating and amusing me.
Out for a birdie
Available from the Android Market and iTunes app store... for FREE. (This is the light version, there is also a $0.99 full game.)
And after a few more days of playing this addictively infuriating game, I give it a rating of 9 out of 10.
